Cryoshape for Keloid Removal Surgery
A keloid is a type of raised scar that develops into a hard and smooth growth. Unlike other scars, keloids don’t stop growing and can become bigger than the original injury. They are most likely to develop in people with dark skin, people under 30 and pregnant women. Keloids can develop anywhere, but they are most commonly found on the cheeks, earlobes, chest and shoulders.
Keloids don’t become cancerous, but they can be unsightly. They can also itch or otherwise cause discomfort. As such, many people opt for keloid removal surgery.
What Causes Keloids?
Just about any type of injury affecting the skin can cause a keloid or overgrowth of scar tissue. Injuries that have caused keloids include the following:
• Piercings, especially around the ears
• Chickenpox
• Surgery
• Vaccinations
• Acne
• Burns
• Scratches
How Can You Get Rid of a Keloid?
Treating keloids can be difficult, for they will often grow back. Surgically removing a keloid, for example, can cause an even bigger keloid to form. Cortisone injections may help make the keloid flatter and less noticeable. Unfortunately, the injections occasionally stimulate the growth of small blood vessels, and that makes the keloid redder. One of the best forms of keloid removal surgery is Cryoshape.
What is Cryoshape?
Cryoshape is a special device used to flatten or remove keloids through cryotherapy. It consists of a probe connected to a tank of liquid nitrogen. The medical professional uses the probe to administer the liquid nitrogen and destroy the keloid’s cells.
A local anesthetic will be administered beforehand. The probe is then inserted into the keloid and liquid nitrogen is injected into it in order to freeze the keloid from the inside out. The liquid nitrogen induces frostbite, and the keloid becomes white and frozen. Depending on the size of the keloid, the treatment session can take between 10 and 60 minutes. Over the next few weeks, the frozen keloid will shrivel and fall off.
Most people need only one treatment session to get the desired results. Cryoshape has worked for 97 percent of patients, and most patients have not reported having their keloids grow back after a treatment. While most patients can go home immediately after treatment, they should wait about a day before resuming their usual activities.
Who is a Good Candidate for Cryoshape?
Just about anybody in good overall health who has keloids might be a candidate for Cryoshape. It has even been used on children, and it works on all skin tones. Set up an appointment at Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to learn more about your candidacy for keloid removal surgery. We have offices in Marietta and Atlanta. Contact us today to schedule you
